Chastidy Guinyard

Move United / Our Athletes /

Chastidy Guinyard

After serving 18+ years combined between the Air Force and the Army National Guard, I have found relief and release in outdoor activities. Fishing and golf have become my go-to outdoor sports to help me find some relief from some of my stressors. While these sports cannot solve my problems, they can give me a momentary reprieve from the worry, anxiety, and depression that I constantly feel. Because of fishing and golf, I am not sitting idle at home being paralyzed by my feelings and stressors.

My participation with Move United and adaptive sports has meant that I do not have to continue to suffer in silence. I can get out amongst my peers and learn something new that will give me positive thoughts and a place to redirect my focus. Depression and anxiety can be very paralyzing in a way that people who do not suffer from these mental illnesses could never understand. Adaptive sports keep me moving and give me something to look forward to doing.

To someone who is thinking about trying adaptive sports, I would say "Do it!!! Cast your fears, feelings of unsureness, and thoughts of inadequacy to the side and find a sport to get into. Be open to learning new things because you will learn more about yourself in the process. You will surprise yourself once you realize how much you are enjoying something that you never thought that you could find joy and accomplishment in!"

My long-term goals are to develop my sports to a competition level as well as to continue to improve my mental health. Every day is a step forward in my process and progress. I am so thankful that Move United, and organzitions like, exist for Veterans like myself!